Leaking Rear Seal
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Huntington Beach CA
Leaking Rear Seal
My C5 coupe is now almost 12 years old, has 94,000 original miles on it. The rear seal is now leaking a little bit. I would not say it is significant, because in the the month or so that I have noticed it, I have not noticed any significant drop in the oil level. Other than that, the car seems to be running great, no noticable problems in the engine.
So I know I need to replace this, likely fairly soon. The dealer told me it can be replaced with the engine in place by dropping the transmission. They gave me a ballpark of about $2400, but they also said the water pump was leaking as well. The water pump is very easy to replace, and I have no problems with a rebuilt water pump, which is considerably less than the factory pump.
As for replacing the seal, I have no interest in taking this on, and I know that dropping the transmission does not come cheap, however, what I am wondering is if I should instead consider having the engine pulled and rebuilt, especially if it seems like it is getting to an age where more maintenance will be required.
I'd like to hear the opinions of the informed members of this site. Thanks!
So I know I need to replace this, likely fairly soon. The dealer told me it can be replaced with the engine in place by dropping the transmission. They gave me a ballpark of about $2400, but they also said the water pump was leaking as well. The water pump is very easy to replace, and I have no problems with a rebuilt water pump, which is considerably less than the factory pump.
As for replacing the seal, I have no interest in taking this on, and I know that dropping the transmission does not come cheap, however, what I am wondering is if I should instead consider having the engine pulled and rebuilt, especially if it seems like it is getting to an age where more maintenance will be required.
I'd like to hear the opinions of the informed members of this site. Thanks!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Mine was fixed under warranty and it took 2 days with the dealer. $2400 sounds expensive but its a lot of work. I saw the car when it was being worked and they did indeed drop the whole of the back end. Its not a job I'd tackle as I dont have a lift.
I'd say the two jobs are entirely independent so the engine could be done later. As you say, changing a water pump is straight forward.
This thread will give you a good idea as to what's involved. Not having a lift didn't stop Z06ster
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2077727
I'd say the two jobs are entirely independent so the engine could be done later. As you say, changing a water pump is straight forward.
This thread will give you a good idea as to what's involved. Not having a lift didn't stop Z06ster
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2077727
Last edited by DeeGee; Jan 9, 2012 at 02:56 AM.
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You can probably have the rear end done by someone that knows Vettes for less than $1000.00 bucks.
Or you can upgrade your gears and get a good used rear end for about $750.00 and $500.00 to install.
Or you can upgrade your gears and get a good used rear end for about $750.00 and $500.00 to install.
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Drifting
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From: Ocala FL
I've found this option to be very appealing myself...but then again, maybe just having the original transmission looked over and a new gear set dropped in and reinstalled is another cost effective option.
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Gary - I believe you are talking about the rear seal on the engine, not the differential, but if I am wrong, you can chime in and correct me. Yes, it is a lot of work to do the repair but $2400 seems a bit high. Since you say the car is running great otherwise, I'm not sure I would go to the expense of rebuilding the engine right now. But that's just me. Before I would do anything I would also get a second opinion from a good shop as to the cost to repair the rear seal.
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Racer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 435
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From: Newcastle, UK
$2400 is crazy no matter whether it's the rear seal on the engine or the diff and why rebuild an engine if you don't have to unless you're looking for performance mods?
Removing the drive train isn't at all complicated and not as time consuming as you may think for an experienced mechanic with a lift and air tools. I did mine by myself on my very small drive with jack stands and a couple of trolley jacks.
You need to find yourself a good experienced non dealer garage or an obliging forum member with good rates.
Removing the drive train isn't at all complicated and not as time consuming as you may think for an experienced mechanic with a lift and air tools. I did mine by myself on my very small drive with jack stands and a couple of trolley jacks.
You need to find yourself a good experienced non dealer garage or an obliging forum member with good rates.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Huntington Beach CA
It is the rear seal on the engine that is leaking. I thought the $2400 sounds high, but the dealer said that includes a water pump replacement at $600, which I also find extremely high, given that the a rebuilt is much cheaper.
I don't have air tools, don't have a lift, and don't have the inclination to do all of that these days. Maybe 30 years ago I might have thought about it. So I'll have to have a professional do it for me. I'll check with West Coast Corvettes, they seemed to be pretty knowledgable and actually gave me more of a straight story when the oil sender was leaking.
I don't have air tools, don't have a lift, and don't have the inclination to do all of that these days. Maybe 30 years ago I might have thought about it. So I'll have to have a professional do it for me. I'll check with West Coast Corvettes, they seemed to be pretty knowledgable and actually gave me more of a straight story when the oil sender was leaking.